Following a discussion of the current situation surrounding the possible signing of documents between the official regime in Minsk and the Russian Federation that could lead to a further integration between Belarus and Russia and to the surrender the independence of Belarus, the participants of the meeting have decided to issue the following statement.

The BNR Rada states that democratic elections, respect of human rights and freedom of speech are the only way to consolidate the Belarusian nation and to end the decades-long international isolation of Belarus in the face of a potential threat to the country’s independence.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY BNR RADA:

The past weeks have seen an activated public discussion of threats to the independence of Belarus from the Russian Federation. Considering the analysis of the situation, and:

– Stating that it is in the national interest of Belarus to reform its economy and to quit all Russian-dominated integrational structures and, in the long-term perspective, to build equal, market-based, friendly and mutually respectful relations with a future democratic Russia;

– Considering that the union treaty with today’s Russia does not respect the will of the Belarusian people, which is interested in having good and close relations with all its neighbours, including Ukraine and the countries of the European Union;

Statement by the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in Exile regarding the Belarusian-Russian joint military exercise

The military exercise codenamed “West-2017” is starting in Belarus, and is held jointly with military units of the Russian Federation. This exercise is taking place against the background of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea, the wars in Ukraine and Syria, and cyber-attacks against the democratic institutions of the West.

The Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic (the BNR Rada) shares the concerns expressed by the democratic community in Belarus, as well as by some foreign observers, regarding that some of the Russian military units may – contrary to all the statements from the representatives of the ministry of defense of Belarus – stay in Belarus after the exercises. The BNR Rada emphasizes that such a development would present a new factor of danger not only for Belarus but also for other European countries – the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, and the Republic of Poland. This would present a particular risk for Ukraine, as its northern and western regions would in that case become exposed for an attack by Russia’s land forces.

The Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic has issued a statement regarding the situation around Belsat, the Belarusian TV channel broadcasting from Poland.

Statement by the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic concerning the situation around the TV channel Belsat

The Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic is seriously concerned by the possible threat to the existence of the TV channel Belsat.

During its existence, Belsat has become one of the most influential Belarusian publications, a bright and highly important phenomenon on the Belarusian media landscape.

Belsat is the only TV channel in the world broadcasting in Belarusian language. It is a unique platform for opinions independent from the Belarusian government as evidenced through the excellent shows and documentaries produced by Belsat journalists. Under the conditions of a dictatorial regime in Belarus, which discriminates against the Belarusian language and culture, and continues the Soviet chauvinistic policy of Russification and destruction of the Belarusian identity, Belsat plays a crucial role not only as a mass medium but also as a cultural phenomenon.

President of the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic has issued an address to the Belarusian community of the United Kingdom on the occasion of the consecration of the newly erected church of the Holy Hierarch Cyril, bishop of Turaŭ and All the Patron Saints of the Belarusian People (the Belarusian Memorial Chapel).

“It will be an important symbol of Belarusian cultural presence in one of the world’s most important cities, and a place where Belarusians will pray to God in the language of their ancestors. This day marks an important and joyous event for all Belarusians, regardless of religion and country of residence.”